It is unclear whether Virgin action will delay West Coast contract signing

Virgin Trains' legal challenge is an application for a judicial review of the decision to award FirstGroup, the West Coast main line contract.

The firm lodged papers at the High Court in London today and a hearing will be held at the court in due course.

It is unclear if this means the final signing of the franchise contract by the Transport Secretary Justine Greening - which is expected tomorrow - will now be delayed pending the outcome of the hearing.